We humans tend to be creatures of habit. We find what we’re comfortable doing, and don’t often stray outside the box we create for ourselves. And while that’s a cautious and sometimes smart way to live, it does mean you may miss out on exciting and memorable experiences. This is the meaning behind National Walk on Your Wild Side Day, which takes place on April 12. It’s a day meant to challenge people and prompt them to tap into their inner wild side.
If you love the idea of Walk on Your Wild Side Day but find it hard to escape your comfort zone, you’re not alone. You don’t have to do big grand activities and gestures, baby steps can also be great. The key is to do something different, something that you wouldn’t usually consider.
To help you out, here’s a look at 10 ways you can get out of your comfort zone on National Walk on Your Wild Side Day.
Make a New-to-You Recipe
Here’s a simple way to instantly get out of your comfort zone – try a new-to-you recipe. Look for something that calls for ingredients you don’t typically use, perhaps has a different way of preparing or cooking the dish, and give it a go.
Trying new cuisines and flavors is a great way to expand your taste buds and find new favorites. Each year there are new food trends to check out, so you’ll have no shortage of options.
Join a Challenging Class at the Gym
Do you have a gym membership? If so, do you find yourself using the same machines and attending the same style of classes? It’s a rut that people can get into, and it can make going to the gym feel like a chore.
To mix things up and keep things interesting, why not join a challenging class that you’ve always avoided? Maybe you didn’t think you were fit enough, strong enough, or even coordinated enough. But everyone is a beginner at some point, so why not jump right in? Just go easy on yourself and show patience. You’re not going to be perfect, but you may discover you like the challenge.
Wear an Outfit You Wouldn’t Normally Be Brave Enough To
Here’s another great example of how people get stuck in a rut. You may have a big collection of clothing, but chances are you have a handful of pieces that you love and that are in regular rotation. It’s perfectly fine to have those well-loved items, but that’s not stepping outside your comfort zone.
On National Walk on the Wild Side Day, why not wear a color you normally avoid, a style you don’t exactly feel comfortable with, or just pair items together that you typically wouldn’t? It’s just clothes so there is no big commitment involved.
Start a Conversation with a Stranger
This particular tip should be used with caution of course, as you need to be careful who you strike up a conversation with and where. Ideally, this is a tip you use in a public place so you’ve got people around. The perfect location is something like a coffee shop, your favorite lunch restaurant, in line at a store, and so forth.
Speaking to a stranger is one of those things that people often feel shy doing, so it’s almost guaranteed to get you out of your comfort zone. It’s also a chance to spark a great connection with someone new.
Take a Different Route To and From Work
How many times have you been driving to and/or from work only to “zone out”? Maybe there are portions of the commute you don’t even remember, that’s how deep in thought you were. A great way to shake things up is to take a different route to and from work. You may discover there is a faster way, a more scenic route, or even some fun places you could stop by along the way.
You’ll need to leave yourself a little extra time going to work if it’s a route you’re unfamiliar with so you may prefer just to use this tip on the way home.
Order a Different Type of Morning Coffee
And speaking of heading to work, if you’re the type that always stops at your favorite coffee shop and grabs the same thing every morning – it’s time to step out of your comfort zone. There is nothing wrong with going to the same shop, but make a promise to yourself that you’re going to order a different type of coffee or hot beverage.
Coffee shops have a huge variety of beverages and flavors. If you feel overwhelmed by the menu, ask the barista for a recommendation.
Go to the Movies By Yourself
Is there a big movie that you have wanted to see but don’t have anyone to go with? On National Walk on Your Wild Side Day, the attitude needs to be “who cares?”. Who cares if you can’t find someone to go with you, that’s not a reason to miss out on seeing the movie. Got to the movies yourself, splurge on some yummy theater snacks, sit back, and enjoy.
Pick Up a Book That Normally Wouldn’t Appeal to You
When it comes to books, people tend to have a genre or two that they prefer. This is another fun opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and pick a book you wouldn’t normally read. It may be helpful to check the bestseller lists or book recommendations online to help you narrow down the options.
Stay Off Social Media for a Full Day
Nowadays people spend a pretty significant portion of the day on their mobile devices. Whether you’re surfing online, playing apps, watching YouTube, or engaging on social media – your phone can be a real addiction. Why not designate this one day as a no-social media day? This may be the most challenging activity of all on this list, but you might find it’s worth the sacrifice.
Sign Up for an Adventure Experience with a Friend
Finally, if you like to go big rather than go home, then you can sign up for an adventure experience with a friend. These can include activities like rock climbing, skydiving, snorkeling, and so forth. Try looking into adventure experiences nearby – you may be surprised at what’s available.